Proverbs are a timeless treasure trove of wisdom, encapsulating the collective experiences and cultural values of a people. In Yoruba culture, these proverbs are known as "Òwe Yorùbá" and hold deep meanings, providing guidance and insight into various aspects of life. Join us as we delve into 20 popular Yoruba proverbs, uncovering their rich significance and exploring the wisdom they impart.
1. "À níí lásó rere, ká máa pò fún ìdí" - "It is in doing good that good comes to you"
This proverb emphasizes the importance of kindness and the belief that by practicing goodness towards others, we invite positive outcomes into our own lives.
2. "?j?´ kan kò ni lèè dé ibi ?ja kì í ra tu" - "One day is not enough for a fish to drown"
This proverb underscores the idea that overnight success is rare and achievable goals require time, effort, and perseverance.
3. "Àgbá mà tó bá fàn ìt?´á, ó rí ohun èyí tí à níí lò nísins?lú àgbá" - "The crab that said it would defeat the tide saw something that made it scamper off"
This proverb serves as a cautionary reminder against arrogance and overconfidence. It encourages humility and a realistic assessment of one's abilities and limitations.
4. "Ì?ekù??´ dóóyè" - "Work first, play later"
This proverb emphasizes the importance of prioritizing responsibilities and completing tasks before indulging in leisure or non-essential activities.
5. "?ni tó bá ti kò ?ni kínìun ngbèsè" - "He who has never been deceived by anyone is like a rabbit"
This proverb highlights the inevitability of encountering deception or betrayal in life and cautions against naïveté or blind trust.
6. "?ni tí á bá j?un kò lè mú?`" - "A person who eats alone cannot take all the food"
This proverb emphasizes the value of communal sharing, cooperation, and the importance of inclusivity in society.
7. "Kì í ?e àár? láìníy?" - "One cannot be king over oneself"
This proverb underscores the significance of community and the understanding that individual success is often influenced and supported by others.
8. "Òótì méjì ló ns? súgbón àj?´ ló já ?m? lèyìn" - "Two falsehoods do not make a truth, but they give birth to an orphan"
This proverb highlights the importance of honesty and ethical behavior, reminding us that engaging in deception leads to negative consequences.
9. "Kò sí oògùn láyé ni gbésè won" - "There is no medicine for foolishness in the market"
This proverb emphasizes the need for wisdom, critical thinking, and sound judgment in decision-making, as foolishness cannot be remedied by external means.
10. "Ile oba tó jo, ònà lá n??´" - "A king's palace that burned down gives room for a grander one to be built"
This proverb encourages resilience and optimism, reminding individuals that setbacks can provide opportunities for growth, renewal, and a better future.
11. "Adì? fún l?´ba òkùnrin nj?" - "A chicken is a delicacy to the owner; a male is eating it"
This proverb illustrates the concept of perspective, highlighting that what might be insignificant or mundane to one person can hold value or significance to another.
12. "Ìrè?tí nlá k?run, ?b? níí padà" - "A large broom sweeps, but it's the bristle that gets dirty"
This proverb emphasizes the cost or sacrifice that may come with assuming leadership or taking responsibility for significant tasks or projects.
13. "Bi a bá f?´ lè?yìn, á ngò bè?rè? kúrò" - "If you want to speak from behind, you must keep your feet firmly in position"
This proverb encourages individuals to back up their words with action and to remain steadfast and committed to their beliefs or intentions.
14. "Òru ìbèrè kì í já ewé ògò" - "The misfortunes of the morning do not prevent an owner of cloth from weaving"
This proverb conveys resilience, asserting that temporary setbacks should not deter one from pursuing their goals and aspirations.
15. "Òkìkí ká ló tó lé?tè?, kè?mi ká to nús?; kó sun gbé?rù áb?" - "When the drum is played, the monkey should dance; if it sulks, let it descend from the roof"
This proverb encourages active participation, adaptability, and the willingness to engage in collective activities or responsibilities.
16. "È?yìn àfòpupà dá'ké?ké? lá àkàlà r?" - "A tiny snail moves in concert on its modulated path"
This proverb highlights the importance of consistent progress and the idea that even small, gradual steps can lead to significant achievements.
17. "Adògbò lòó gb?´nu ?`r?`" - "The tortoise is going to listen to words"
This proverb highlights the need for active listening, deep understanding, and careful consideration of words or advice before making decisions or taking action.
18. "?ni tó nl?` àádò?n, ò lè rú a fa l'o´?gè?dè?" - "Whoever walks in a hurry cannot take an elephant to sacrifice"
This proverb emphasizes the importance of patience, planning, and careful execution to achieve significant goals or tasks effectively.
19. "?yìn niyó nimúrò, àpáta sí ntako" - "While the palm celebrates joyously, the rock stands unmoved"
This proverb highlights the idea of resilience, inner strength, and the need to remain steadfast in the face of challenges or adversity.
20. "Tí ?ni bá f?´ kú òun níy?n kòó sì ?e dúró ti ?ni tó bá gbàkúnl?` òun" - "If one desires to live long, it is not the person who runs in a marathon that will achieve this"
This proverb emphasizes the importance of a balanced and measured approach to life, cautioning against excessive exertion, stress, or unnecessary risks.
Yoruba proverbs symbolize the vast cultural and intellectual heritage of the Yoruba people. Timeless and profound, these proverbs offer guidance and lessons applicable to various aspects of life. By embracing and understanding their meanings, we gain insight into Yoruba culture, deepen our understanding of human nature, and acquire wisdom to navigate life's complexities. As the Yoruba saying goes, "Ànl?` kì í gbón ánìkan" - "One lamp does not light up the whole room." Let us celebrate and learn from the richness of Yoruba proverbs, sharing their timeless wisdom with a wider audience.